Apparatus for holding a media storage disk

ABSTRACT

The invention relates in general to an apparatus for holding a media storage disk. The apparatus comprises a body portion, a central unitary cylindrical hub with a circumference slightly less then the central aperture of the disk, at least one retention finger possessing a retention lip integrated in the outer circumference of the hub, at least one support arm bounding the retention finger to raise the storage media disk away from the disk receiving portion, and at least one ejection arm extending radially from the hub and downward toward the disk receiving portion. When the hub is depressed at least 0.5 mm the retention finger which naturally extends outward from the hub to engage the media storage disk cantilevers inward releasing the disk and the ejection arms are simultaneously pivoted upward to eject the disk in a spring-like manner from the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to an apparatus for holding a media storage disk, more particularly an apparatus having an improved central retaining area for the retention of the media storage disk and an ejection means integrated as part of said hub for ejecting said disk.

2. Description of the Related Art

Media storage disks have gained popularity with consumers. Examples of media storage disks include, but are not limited to, the compact disk (CD), the digital video disk (DVD) and the video compact disk (VCD).

It is appreciated by designers of storage cases that it is undesirable for any portion of the case to be in contact with the information-carrying portions of the disk. Thus, developments in storage case design have involved means that limit the contact of the case with the disk to the central hole of the disk.

Because DVDs consist of two laminated layers of polycarbonate, the bending of the DVDs for engagement and removal can cause disk and hence data damage. To avoid this damage, it is desirable for a case to provide convenient insertion and removal of the disk.

Thus, the need arises for a media storage case that limits the contact of the case with information-carrying portions of the disk, allows for easy disk insertion and removal, and is not susceptible to disk loosening and removal from the central retaining portion.

Through the years many apparatus for holding media storage disks have been developed. The most successful ones to date are ones which incorporate disk lifting capabilities through the incorporation of a central cylindrical hub which is split in half, thirds, quarters or more sections. Generally, when pressing these split hubs the user experiences an unpleasant pinching sensation. Additionally, these split hubs for engaging the storage media are prone to damage if one of the sections is pressed faster or harder than any of the remaining sections of the hub.

It has been learned through study and market evaluation of the prior art that consumers prefer a product which incorporates a hub having a simple push-button type release to eject the media storage disk from the storage apparatus. To accomplish this simple push-button ejection system, the prior art hubs must accommodate at least a 2 mm or more stroke or compression distance to work properly. Consequently, this minimum 2 mm distance requires that the hub and surrounding case are larger thus consuming additional shelf space on both consumer's shelves and retailer's shelves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus having an improved central retaining area for the retention of a media storage disk.

A second object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that limits contact with information-carrying portions of the disk.

A third object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that allows for easy insertion and removal of the disk.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that does not unnecessarily consume precious shelf and/or storage space of consumers and retailers.

A fifth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that facilitates the disk packaging process by eliminating the need for performing additional steps when transitioning between a disk-releasing position and a disk- securing position.

A sixth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that is simple and inexpensive to produce.

A seventh object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus which does not pinch the fingers of users when releasing the disk from the central hub.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an apparatus for securely holding a compact disk having a central aperture. The apparatus includes a body portion, a central unitary cylindrical hub can be depressed at least 0.5 mm and has a circumference slightly less then the central aperture of the disk, at least one retention finger possessing a retention lip integrated in the outer circumference of the hub which naturally extends outward from the hub to engage the disk, at least one support arm bounding the retention finger to raise the storage media disk away from the disk receiving portion, and at least one pair of pivoting arms extending radially from the hub and downward toward the disk receiving portion. When the hub is depressed the retention finger which naturally extends outward from the hub to engage the media storage disk retracts inward releasing the disk and said pivoting arms are forced upward from the disk receiving portion of the apparatus to eject the disk in a spring-like manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case that incorporates the apparatus for holding a media storage disk in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case being in a fully open position with the interior portion visible.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of a case that incorporates the apparatus for holding a media storage disk in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case being in a fully open position with the interior portion visible.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of region B in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the hub section of the apparatus in FIG. 1 with a disk in the locked position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along lines A-A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view section D of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along lines B-B in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the hub section of the apparatus in FIG. 1 with a disk in the unlocked position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along lines E-E in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view section G of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view section H of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along lines F-F in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the hub section.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged overhead view of the alternate embodiment of the hub section.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged overhead view of the alternate embodiment of the hub section with a media storage disk in the locked position.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along lines P-P in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged overhead view of the alternate embodiment of the hub section with a media storage disk in the unlocked position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along lines R-R in FIG. 18.

[MHP1] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of the apparatus for holding a media storage disk in accordance with the present invention is shown. FIG. 3 presents an overhead view of the apparatus retaining a media storage disk in accordance with the actual invention shown. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate case 10 in a fully open position with the interior portion visible. Case 10 provides enclosure to hold a media storage disk such as, but not limited to, a CD, DVD, or VCD. Case 10 preferably includes a disk-receiving portion 11 and a cover portion 12. Disk-receiving portion 11 can move relative to cover portion 12 via a hinged region 13, so that when case 10 is in a closed position, disk-receiving portion 11 and cover portion 12 form an enclosure around the disk.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, disk-receiving portion 11 contains a body portion 14 which includes a central retaining area 15. Body portion 14 may provide for the entire or a substantial part of disk-receiving portion 11, or may be a separate or stepped molding. Body portion 14 may also be an insert receivable within case 10. Central retaining area 15 provides for securing the media storage disk 50 within case 10 and is now described in further detail.

With reference to FIG. 2 and 4 which depict an enlarged view of central retaining section 15 that comprises a cylindrical hub 27 whose diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the center aperture of disk 50. Integrated into the outer circumference of hub 27 is at least one retention finger 28 possessing a retention lip 29. Retention finger 28 naturally bows outward from hub 27 to engage disk 50 when in the disk locking position. Bounding retention finger 28 is at least one support arm 40 preventing disk 50 from coming in contact with disk receiving portion 11. It is preferred that retention finger 28 is bound by at least two support arms, one on each side of retention finger 28.

Referring now to FIG. 4, at least a first ejection arm 45 extends radially and downward from hub 27 toward the body portion 14. It is preferred that a second ejection arms 46 is incorporated in the apparatus as depicted in FIG. 4. In an embodiment which incorporates two ejection arms, the second ejection arm 46 also extends from hub 27 but generally opposite from the first ejection arm 45. Both the first ejection arm 45 and second ejection arm 46 are designed to provide ejection force when hub 27 is depressed to release disk 50, and resting support for media storage disk 50 when engaged in the apparatus in addition to support arm 30.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 depict cross-sectional and enlarged views of the preferred embodiment of hub section 15 when disk 50 is in the locked position. FIG. 6 depicts hub 27 in cross-section along lines A-A in FIG. 5. When hub 27 is in the disk locked position, hub 27 is in its natural fully extended state. Referring now to FIG. 7, retention finger 28 is in its natural cantilevered position with retention lip 29 extended outward and over the inner diameter of the aperture of disk 50 to engage disk 50 in the locked position. FIG. 8 depicts the hub in a cross-sectional view along lines B-B of FIG. 5 displaying first ejection arm 45 and second ejection arm 46 in their natural state lifting disk 50 away from body portion 14.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 depict cross-sectional and enlarged views of the preferred embodiment of hub section 15 when disk 50 is in the unlocked position. To unlock disk 50, pressure is applied directly to hub 27 causing hub 27 to compress 0.5 mm. As a result of compressing hub 27, retention finger 28 which is integrated as part of hub 27 retracts inward toward hub 27 releasing retention lip 28 from the inner circumference of the aperture in disk 50. FIG. 10 depicts hub 27 in cross-section along lines E-E in FIG. 9. When hub 27 is in the disk unlocking position, hub 27 is compressed at least 0.5 mm to disengage disk 50 from retention lip 29 and retention finger 28. Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, retention finger 28 is cantilevered inward toward hub 27 with the application of downward force to hub 27 thereby disengaging retention lip 29 from the inner diameter of the aperture of disk 50 thereby releasing disk 50. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of hub 27 in the unlocking position along lines F-F of FIG. 9. As a result of the application of pressure to hub 27 to compress hub 27 at least 0.5 mm, first ejection arm 45 and second ejection arm 46 pivot upward from body portion 14 causing disk 50 to eject from the apparatus.

FIGS. 14 through FIG. 19 depict an alternate embodiment of the hub section 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 depict the alternate embodiment of hub 15 section without media storage disk 50 attached thereto from the perspective and overhead view, respectively. The alternate embodiment of hub 15 section comprises one ejection arm 45 radiating from hub 27 and one retention finger 28 integrated into the outer circumference of hub 15. Retention finger 28 possesses retention lip 29 to secure media storage disk 50 through its center aperture when it is in locked position. The retention finger 28 is bounded by at least one support arm 40. The retention finger 28 and ejection arm 45 are generally 180 degrees apart along the circumference of hub 27.

Despite the use of only one retention finger and one ejection arm, the apparatus functions in the same manner as embodiments possessing multiple ejection fingers and retention fingers for purposes of locking and ejecting media storage disks with respect to the apparatus.[MHP2] FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a storage media disk 50 in the locked position on the alternate hub embodiment. Retention lip 29 engages the inner circumference of media storage disk 50 to secure the disk within the apparatus. Disk 50 rests on support arm 40 and ejection arm 45. Media storage disk 50 is secured within the apparatus by applying downward pressure to disk 50 which causes the media storage disk 50 to contact retention lip 29 forcing retention finger 28 to cantilever inward toward hub 27 allowing the inner circumference of media storage disk to slip over and around retention finger 28 and retention lip 29, and ultimately resting on support arm 40 and ejection arm 45. Upon releasing pressure to disk 50, the retention finger 28 returns to its normal position causing retention lip 29 to engage the inner circumference of disk 50 when in the locked position.

FIGS. 18 and 19 depict the alternate embodiment of the hub section 15 in the unlocking or ejection position when downward force is applied to hub 27. As a result of force applied to hub 27, retention finger 28 cantilevers backward within hub 27 releasing retention lip 29 from the inner circumference of media storage disk 50. With the application of downward force to hub 27, ejection arm 45 pivots upward disengaging media storage disk 50 from hub 27 and retention lip 29 allowing the user to easily remove media storage disk from the apparatus.

Other embodiments of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central aperture comprising: a body portion; a compressible cylindrical hub with a diameter slightly less than said central aperture of said disk within said body portion; at least a first ejection arm extending radially from said hub downward toward to said body portion that when said hub is compressed said first ejection arm pivots upward to eject said compact disk; at least a first retention finger with a retention lip pivotally integrated into the outer circumference of said hub thus when downward pressure is applied to said hub said first retention finger cantilevers inward to said hub; a retention lip at the distal end of said retention finger for engaging the inner circumference of said aperture of said disk.
 2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein said first ejection arm extends radially from said hub generally 180 degrees from said first retention arm along the circumference of said hub.
 3. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein a support arm bounds the retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein a first support arm and a second support arm bound the retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said first support arm and said second support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a disk-receiving portion and a cover portion that move relative to each other via a hinged region to form an enclosure around the disk, the body portion being positioned within the disk-receiving portion.
 6. An apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole comprising: a disk receiving portion; a cover portion; a hinge portion between said disk receiving portion and said cover portion to permit said disk receiving portion to move relative to said cover portion to form an enclosure around said disk a body portion incorporated on the interior face of said disk receiving portion; a body portion; a compressible cylindrical hub with a diameter slightly less than said central aperture of said disk within said body portion; at least a first ejection arm extending radially from said hub downward toward to said body portion that when said hub is compressed said first ejection arm pivots upward to eject said compact disk; at least a first retention finger with a retention lip pivotally integrated into the outer circumference of said hub thus when downward pressure is applied to said hub said first retention finger cantilevers inward to said hub; a retention lip at the distal end of said retention finger for engaging the inner circumference of said aperture of said disk.
 7. The apparatus in claim 6 wherein said first ejection arm extends radially from said hub generally 180 degrees from said first retention arm along the circumference of said hub.
 8. The apparatus in claim 6 wherein a support arm bounds the retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus in claim 6 wherein a first support arm and a second support arm bound the retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said first support arm and said second support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 10. An apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central aperture comprising: a body portion; a compressible cylindrical hub with a diameter slightly less than said central aperture of said disk within said body portion; a first ejection arm extending radially from said hub downward toward to said body portion that when said hub is compressed said first ejection arm pivots upward to eject said compact disk; a second ejection arm extending radially from said hub downward toward to said body portion that when said hub is compressed said first ejection arm pivots upward to eject said compact disk; a first retention finger with a retention lip pivotally integrated into the outer circumference of said hub thus when downward pressure is applied to said hub said first retention finger cantilevers inward to said hub; a second retention finger with a retention lip pivotally integrated into the outer circumference of said hub thus when downward pressure is applied to said hub said first retention finger cantilevers inward to said hub; a retention lip at the distal end of said retention fingers for engaging the inner circumference of said aperture of said disk.
 11. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein said first ejection arm is generally 180 degrees from said second ejection arm along the circumference of said hub.
 12. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein said first retention finger is generally 180 degrees from said second retention finger along the circumference of said hub.
 13. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein said first ejection arm is equidistant from said first retention finger and said second retention finger and opposite said second ejection arm along the circumference of said hub.
 14. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein at one support arm bounds said first retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 15. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein a first support arm bounds said first retention finger and a second support arm bounds said second retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 16. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein a first support arm and a second support arm bound said first retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said first support arm and said second support arm when the disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 17. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein a first support arm and a second support arm bound said first retention finger and a third support arm and a fourth support arm bound said second retention finger allowing said disk to rest on said support arms when said disk is engaged in the apparatus.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a disk-receiving portion and a cover portion that move relative to each other via a hinged region to form an enclosure around the disk, the body portion being positioned within the disk-receiving portion. 